Žirje

Satellite image of Žirje

Žirje is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It is situated in the Šibenik archipelago, about 22 km southwest of Šibenik, which makes it the most distant permanently inhabited island in the Šibenik archipelago.^[1] The island is composed of two limestone ridges between which is a fertile valley.^[2] Its area is 15.06 km², and it has population of 124 (as of 2001).^[3] Its population is steadily decreasing (720 residents in 1953, and 207 residents in 1981).^[2] The only settlement on the island is also named Žirje. Vegetation of the island is mainly composed of maquis shrubland.^[4] Main industries are agriculture (grapes, olives, plums, figs and sour cherries) and fishing.^[2][4] The sea around Žirje is rich with fish.^[5][1] In 12th and 13th century the island was encircled by fortresses and walls^[2] and are a reminder of the Byzantine fortress from 6th century are situated at island.^[6]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Žirje on adriagate.com
2. ^ ^{a b c d} (Croatian) General Encyclopedia of Yugoslavian Lexicographic Institute, volume 8 (Zagreb, 1982), article Žirje.
3. ^ Statistical yearbook for 2006 of Central bureau of statistics of Republic of Croatia
4. ^ ^{a b} (Croatian) First Croatian online peljar
5. ^ Žirje on croatiatouristcenter.com
6. ^ Žirje on adriatic-croatian.com

External links

• Žirje on infoadriatic.com
• Official pages of Island of Žirje

• Maps and aerial photos for 43°′″N 15°′″E / 43.652311, 15.661636Coordinates: 43°′″N 15°′″E / 43.652311, 15.661636
  • Maps from MapQuest, Multimap and Yahoo! Maps
  • Satellite images and maps from Google Maps and Live Search
  • Other mapping from GlobalGuide and WikiMapia

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